TPD hosts career event to recruit more women to the department

Published: Feb. 26, 2016 at 8:11 PM MST|Updated: Apr. 22, 2016 at 8:03 PM MST
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TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - The Tucson Police Department Recruiting Unit is looking to interest more women in starting careers with the department.

They hosted a "Women in Law Enforcement Career Event" on Friday, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the westside police substation at 1310 W. Miracle Mile.

Women currently working with TPD addressed the attendees and talked about opportunities and careers for women within law enforcement and the professional side of the department.

TPD said they do not currently have any openings, but events like this one are a part of their ongoing recruitment process.

Out of the total 941 sworn officers with TPD, 15 percent or 140 people are women.

Nationally, the number is 13 percent.

This purpose of the event was to be able to educate prospective applicants on the requirements and the process.

TDP also said this kind of a head start for them as well.

Six women spoke at the event.

They currently hold various jobs within the department as sworn officers as well as communication supervisors and record specialists.

Kim Olech, a TPD officer, said she moved from Michigan to Tucson to join the department three years ago.

She said a diverse team means a more well rounded department.

"Females have some other attribute that other males don't have," Olech said. "They may be a little better at certain things and it definitely can be an advantage. Sometimes with size and things it might be a disadvantage. Overall I think depending on the nature of the call, sometimes prefers to talk to women."

The women in attendance said they heard about the event through various ways, but all agreed this was an important event for those interested in working with the department.

They said it was a great way to network with people already in the department and learn more about the application process before they actually go through it.

One woman said she hopes events like this bring more women out of their comfort zone.

"They feel overwhelmed perhaps. Women tend to have children and have other responsibilities. They tend to care more about that kind of stuff and revolve it around their families I feel. But that's definitely changing," said Fabiola Bedoya, an attendee.

TPD said the best way to stay on top of events like this and job openings is by filling out an electronic interest card on their website.

Those signed up will be automatically notified as soon as there is an opening.

For more information on the event, click here: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/police/women-tpd

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